AG Waiting for ZMDC Chief's Docket on Shady Mining Deal

WASHINGTON DC —
Attorney-General Johannes Tomana says he is waiting for a docket from the police to start possible proceedings against former chairman of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation Godwills Masimirembwa fingered by President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday in a multi-million dollar corruption scandal.

Tomana told VOA Studio 7 that he will not be commenting further on the case as it is sub-judice.

Speaking at a luncheon after officially opening parliament, Mr. Mugabe said the law should take its course on Masimirembwa for allegedly demanding and receiving a US$6 million bribe from a Ghanaian firm that sought to invest in mining in Chiadzwa diamond fields in Marange, Manicaland province.

Mr. Mugabe further alleged that Masimirembwa and his board demanded an undisclosed amount in cash from the Ghanaians and created a shelf company that took equity under unclear legal circumstances before barring the Ghanaians from traveling to Harare saying they will be arrested under unspecified Zimbabwean laws.

Mr. Mugabe said former Mines Minister Obert Mpofu, Tomana and the Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri were made aware of the allegations and tried to assure the Ghanaians they would not be arrested. But, according to Mr. Mugabe, Masimirembwa allegedly continued to threaten them.

Attempts to reach Masimirembwa were futile. A woman who answered his phone said he was in a meeting. But contacted for comment by The Daily News he claimed Mr. Mugabe had been misled by his advisors, adding he was ready to clear his name.

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba refused to comment. She said was in a meeting.

Previous attempts by the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the ZMDC for alleged corruption were thwarted by the police last year after being called by Masimirembwa.